Everton asking price deters hopes of Champions League club to sign £20m player

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite spent the last season on loan at PSV Eindhoven. The English defender impressed with his solid performances in the Eredivisie. His future remains in doubt but one thing is sure that a return to PSV is highly unlikely.

EFC acquired James Tarkowski on a free transfer and added Conor Coady on a season long loan deal leaving the Toffees with six centre backs in the squad. Branthwaite would have hardly had any playing time so a loan move made sense for him and Everton.

The Englishman was a mainstay in the PSV backline and the Dutch side were left impressed with the defender. In the January transfer window, PSV enquired about signing Branthwaite on a permanent deal and even submitted an offer but EFC rejected the proposal.

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite to return after PSV’s pursuit fails

Branthwaite is slated to join Everton in the pre-season where Sean Dyche will evaluate him and watch him closely before making a decision over his future. Interest remains high in the 21 year old defender. According to De Telegraaf (via Sport Witness), Branthwaite is likely to stay at Everton as the asking price is too high for PSV to make a move for the English centre back.

Everton’s demands have always been regarded as too high and PSV will not be able to bring Branthwaite back to Eindhoven. Branthwaite has several other suitors too as AS Roma had shown interest in the 21 year old but the report suggested that the Serie A side will have to shell out £20 million for the defender.

A few days ago, West Ham United enquired about Branthwaite as David Moyes’ side looks to bolster their defence ahead of the 2023-24 season. With the departures of Yerry Mina and Coady, EFC have five centre backs in their squad.

Mason Holgate is strongly linked with a move to Sheffield United as Everton looks to offload players who are not a part of Dyche’s plans. Branthwaite must be trusted with the role of being a first team player and he has earned the right to showcase his talent and prove his mettle.

Selling Branthwaite might not be the best option as he is still 21 and can further develop into a robust starter and a disciplined centre back. His value could further rise if he carries on with his form and gets regular game time at Everton.

Will Jarrad Branthwaite remain at Everton?